Welcome Gigi DiGiacomo!
The Department of Horticultural Science is thrilled to welcome Gigi DiGiacomo as the newest Senior Researcher!
Unlocking the Blueberry Blueprint: How One PhD Student is Decoding the Genetics for a Better Blueberry
In celebration of National Blueberry Month, we are highlighting Gabe Olson-Jensen, a Ph.D. student at the U. Advised by Matt Clark, Olson-Jensen is dedicated to investigating germplasm and PH tolerance traits in blueberries.
Our new Coursera Specialization, Introduction to Ecological Gardening, is live!
Stop guessing and start growing with science. 🌱🔬
Our new Coursera Specialization, Introduction to Ecological Gardening, is live! Emily Tepe will take you beyond basic tips to explore the real plant science and ecology behind thriving gardens.
🔗 - https://lnkd.in/eNWTTqdW
High school interns explore turfgrass
Every week during the 2025-26 academic year, ten Twin Cities high schoolers traded their classrooms for research labs, greenhouses, a poultry barn and graduate seminars, getting an early look at what careers in science actually look like. Dominic Petrella, associate professor of turfgrass systems here in HORT, hosted two students from Great River School. "The students completed greenhouse tasks like propagating plant material, collecting data on experiments, and utilizing equipment to measure plant health," Petrella said. Learn more about what these students learned here!
The grape that came in from the cold: Celebrating 20 years of Marquette
Raise a glass and honor the cold-hardy Marquette grape, introduced by the University of Minnesota twenty years ago!
This grape has helped shape the cold-climate wine industry and can hold its own against famous cousins like Merlot or Syrah.
Whether you’re enjoying a bottle from a local Minnesota winery or a vineyard in Quebec, you’re tasting years of UMN innovation—cheers!
Congratulations to Brandon Miller - McKnight Land-Grant Professorship
Congratulations to Brandon Miller on being awarded the KcNight Land-Grant Professorship!
From the Fairgrounds to Your Front Yard: A Better Way to Seed
University of Minnesota researchers found dormant seeding can improve turf establishment. Tall fescue performed best and helped reduce weeds compared to other species. This method offers a practical alternative when ideal fall seeding conditions are missed. Learn more!
Meet Jillian Turbeville
Introducing Jillian Turbeville, a Researcher with the Turfgrass Science team! Learn about her five-year journey at the University of Minnesota, tracing her path from a Wisconsin dairy community to award-winning turfgrass research and a passion for plant innovation!
2026 Alumni Award Recipient: Neil Mattson '02
The Department of Horticultural Science is pleased to announce Dr. Neil Mattson, Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, as the recipient of the 2026 Department of Horticultural Science Alumni Award! Dr. Neil Mattson has made outstanding contributions to greenhouse efficiency and performance, especially in energy reduction through lighting.
Off With Its Head! Why Losing the "Crown" is a Win for Organic Broccoli
By ditching the traditional single-head variety for sprouting broccoli, MN organic farmers can avoid the devastating crop rot that often ruins a single harvest. This study by UMN researchers shows that these multi-stemmed alternatives not only survive harsh field conditions better but also keep the produce coming all season long, proving that sometimes, losing the head is the smartest move a plant can make.